Deal-conscious golfers have more choices than ever when it comes to teeing up in Michigan. World-class courses from the U.P. to the southernmost part of the state have earned Michigan the designation of “the 12th best golf destination in the world” by Golf Digest.

Michigan has more than 850 public golf courses, putting it at No. 4 in the country. That number includes private courses recently opening to the public. One of those is LochenHeath, near Traverse City and occupying a spectacular site of rolling land overlooking East Grand Traverse Bay.

Golf goes high tech

Once golfers decide where they want to play, the next step is to get a tee time. Technology is making that easier than ever. For example, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme has launched a new application for smart phones that allows users to book tee times.

Bring the family

Fitness and family are two staples in golf, so Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville is tapping into both. They are offering family golf nights weekly and also integrating fitness training with golf instruction.

In the Gaylord Golf Mecca, players will find 21 great courses to choose from in rustic wooded and lake settings. At the Otsego Club & Resort, a new academy is being launched under the watch of rising star Jason Guss. The nearby Loon Golf Resort has acquired the Lakes Golf Course — a perfect complement to recent renovations there.